Offer

285 AC, Tyrosh…

As the Anchor of Tyrosh, Tychano was in a high position in the city. Until this day, he never accepted an invitation from others because it was always him who invited others. However, right now, he was standing in front of the temple and waiting for someone to receive him. If it had been somewhere else, he would have torn that place down but he was in a religious temple. In addition, this religion was a dark horse in the Essos. They rose too quickly that even the red priests were beginning to worry. Even in his city, some of the magisters from the conclave were fervent believers. So, other than waiting for them he had no other choice.

Just as Tychano was thinking about this issue, the doors of the temple opened and a white-robed man came out. This was the head of the temple, Innar Iranyl.

Tychano gave a fake smile and said, "Bishop Innar, you came early. I was planning to wait for one more hour…"

"My apologies, we were in the midst of a praying session and it would have been an insult for someone lower than me to welcome you," said Innar.

Tychano looked at him and sighed, "Oh is that so… I would have loved to witness your praying session, pity…"

Innar smiled and showed the way with his hand, "This way, please. His Holiness is waiting for you."

Tychano followed Innar into the church. There were still people praying in front of a cross.

"Bishop Innar, may I ask something?" asked Tychano.

"Of course, I would be happy to answer all of your questions," said Innar.

"Does he answer everyone who prays?" Tychano was a little bit interested in this god. He was new to this world and knowing the church's work was to his interest. He could use their mistakes against them and with this he may gain the upper hand in negotiations against these people. From his point of view, they were spreading too quickly and it would be no surprise to him if they demand his conversion.

"Answering prays? I think you misunderstood something. He does not need our prayings to understand our hearts. Even if you don't pray, just believing him is enough. As long as you open your heart, he shall hear your wishes. However, if you don't show your hard work he won't answer to your wishes. Let me explain it with a little story…" said Innar.

"I'm all ears." Tychano looked at him with curious eyes.

"Once upon a time, there was a man and his horse. The man was a merchant from Dorne and he was a fervent believer of God. He was carrying spices to the other cities in Westeros. On his way, he saw an inn and thought that he travelled two days without a stop, he should get a rest. He stopped his horse and looked at the sky. He said to God that I entrust my horse to you so it won't get stolen. Then, he went into the inn without tying his horse. Next day, when he went out to mount his horse, he didn't find it. As he was cursing the god for not protecting his horse, another man came out of the inn and saw him. Seeing the man cursing the god, he said that you should take measures first so when they won't be enough, God would help you. Next time, don't forget to tie your horse." Innar smiled and said, "We are not God. We can't perform things without effort. We have to show him that we are working for that thing, only then he will give us the strength to perform it. If he doesn't wish us to do, our efforts are futile. His will is absolute…"

While Innar was telling his story, they arrived at the Prophet's place. Innar knocked on the door and waited.

"Come in." a voice sounded from inside. Innar opened the door and greeted the Prophet, "Your Holiness, Archon of Tyrosh is here for dinner."

"Ohh, thanks for leading him here Innar. You can leave," said Gerold.

"As you wish, Your Holiness." Innar bowed his head and left.

"Greetings, Tychano Ormel. I heard many things about you. Come, sit. There are many things to talk about." said Gerold with a warm smile.

Tychano went forward and sat to one of the chairs. He raised his head and looked at the young man sitting in front of him. He was surprised because the man he was expecting was an elderly man with a shrewd mind. However, the man was young and he was also giving a kind smile.

"I'm also pleased to meet you, Your Holiness. From poor to rich, there are many people who revere you. Even my daughter became a believer of your God. Every day, she is visiting the temple to pray." said Tychano awkwardly.

"Haha, is that so? I would like to meet your daughter at a later time… However, I have limited time, don't you think we should start to talk about serious business?" said Gerold and grew serious.

Tychano looked at him and his smile dropped down. He leaned back and said, "What is your purpose for visiting this city?"

Seeing him tensed up, Gerold smiled and said, "I came to see the progress of the temple and also came to… show you the truth."

Tychano was confused so he asked, "What do you mean?"

"It's better if I show you…" Gerold stood up and went towards Tychano.

Seeing Gerold come towards himself, he was a little bit scared but didn't show on his face.

Gerold stretched his hand to touch his face and truth surfaced. Several minutes later, Tychano woke up with a gasp. He was breathing heavily. The things he saw was the biggest betrayal he experienced. The legacy he built was just a lie. His own son was not his and his friend was not his friend.

His wife, Ferina was sleeping with his best friend, Nakados. And his son was the seed of Nakados. Both of them knew it but they didn't tell anyone. They were planning to put his son in the conclave after killing him. Then, Nakados was going to become Archon with the support of other magisters. Suddenly, a thought came to his mind, what if his daughter was also from that bas… He didn't want to believe it. All of these should be a trick, he thought.

"They are not trick, you also don't need to worry about your daughter. She is from you," said Gerold.

Tychano did not know what to do. Despite being his best friend, Nakados was also the richest magister in the city. There were a few things he could do to harm him. Harming him was just like breaking a rock with an egg.

Gerold looked at his eyes, they were burning with hatred, "At this moment, they are together in a house. I would be willing to tell you the location and aid you in your revenge if you agree with our conditions"

Tychano raised his head and said with a stern face, "What is your conditions?"

"You shall aid our church in its mission. If you give further support, we can even make you the Prince of Tyrosh…" said Gerold with a ruthless smile.